We get it, skincare can be confusing, especially when it feels like there’s loads of conflicting advice and a constant influx of new launches happening all the time. But we’re here to tell you that, actually, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
In fact, you can pick up really effective products that are targeted to your own specific skincare goals on the high street. To help save you from walking up and down the aisles of Superdrug with no clue what you’re supposed to be looking for (we’ve all been there, right?), we spoke to Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, aka Dr Fab, and asked her to explain which ingredients are best for particular skin concerns. Plus, we show you how to build a hardworking routine with Superdrug’s Me + range.
HIKE YOUR HYDRATION
Dehydrated skin is something that can happen to everybody. “It’s skin that lacks moisture and so it doesn’t matter if your skin type is usually oily, dry or combination,” says Dr Fab. “Signs of dehydration include dullness, tightness, increased sensitivity or the appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles.”
To help rehydrate skin, Dr Fab suggests using a gentle cleanser that won’t strip it of its natural oils, alongside a hydrating serum that contains either hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid to seal in moisture. You could also add in a moisturiser that contains ceramides to help strengthen the skin’s barrier. And it goes without saying, always follow up with a broad-spectrum, moisturising sunscreen to protect against UV-induced damage and dehydration.
The products to try:
- Me+ Oat and Cica Cleanser contains gentle cleansing agents which also calm the skin and reduce redness.
- Me+ Hyaluronic Booster is infused with 2% hyaluronic solution to help hydrate, plump and firm skin.
- Me+ Ceramides Moistuiser is lightweight, non-greasy and formulated with ceramides that’ll moisturise and nourish skin.
Me+ Oat And Cica Cleanser 200ml, £8.99
Me+ Hyaluronic Booster 30ml, £6.99
Me+ Ceramides Moisturiser 50ml, £6.99
BRIGHTEN UP
“Dull skin can be caused by both genetics and the environment,” explains Dr Fab. “Damage from sun exposure, smoking, lack of sleep, stress and even a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin are all common culprits.”
But all is not lost – getting your glow back is easier than it may seem. “I would suggest incorporating ingredients including caffeine (which helps constrict blood vessels under the skin, reducing the look of dark circles and puffiness), AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic, to help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells for brighter looking skin – they’re best used sparingly, though) and vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant that helps reverse skin damage from external aggressors and works to reduce pigmentation),” says Dr Fab.
The products to try:
- Me+ Caffeine Eye Cream is carefully formulated with 0.55% caffeine alongside a blend of peptides to help depuff and instantly brighten tired eyes.
- Me+ Lactic Acid (AHA) Booster works to help loosen dead skin cells for softer, smoother, brighter-looking skin.
- Me+ Vitamin C Extra Strength Booster is a glow-giving serum that contains an impressive 10% vitamin C and ferulic acid to reduce the look of pigmentation and improve radiance.
Me+ Caffeine Eye Cream 15ml, £8.99
Me+ Lactic Acid (AHA) Booster 30ml, £6.99
Me+ Vitamin C Extra Strength Booster 30ml, £12.99
BUST THE BLEMISHES
Breakouts happen to the best of us, but if you’re oily skinned, chances are you’re more susceptible to blemishes. “Oily skin often looks shiny and feels greasy to touch, and also often features enlarged pores, blackheads and whiteheads,” says Dr Fab.
“It’s best to wash your face twice a day with a cleanser containing salicylic acid, which helps reduce breakouts. Look for serums containing niacinamide to regulate oil production, or azelaic acid to help unclog pores. Meanwhile, using retinol at night-time can help speed up skin cell turnover,” explains Dr Fab. “As far as moisturiser is concerned, look for something lightweight and oil-free to help skin maintain its moisture balance – over time, it can help reduce oil production.”
The products to try:
- Me+ Salicylic Acid Cleanser gently exfoliates and removes excess oil and impurities that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Me+ Niacinamide + Zinc Booster contains 10% niacinamide to help improve skin tone and zinc to clarify skin, helping to refine texture and reduce shine levels.
- Me+ Retinol Serum uses a blend of 0.2% retinol and 2% tranexamic acid to target blemishes, helping to reduce the appearance and any marks left in their wake.
Me+ Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser 200ml, £8.99
Me+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster 30ml, £6.99
Me+ Retinol Serum 30ml, £8.99
Shop now at Superdrug
Lucy Partington (also known as LP or Lucy P) is a freelance beauty journalist. She started her career as Cosmo’s beauty assistant 12 years ago and has since written for titles including Stylist, ELLE, Red and British Vogue. She’s a big fan of sunscreen (and skincare in general), loves a strong brow and is constantly on the hunt for the glowiest, most long lasting foundation of them all.
